There are millions of veterans all over the world. Because of the trauma of war, many struggle to transition back into civilian life. According to Disabled American Veterans, veterans face challenges like receiving benefits, finding consistent employment and dealing with mental and physical health conditions. Because it can be difficult to transition and receive support, many veterans face a high risk of homelessness. Which charities help veterans? In this article, we’ll describe 15 charities supporting veterans, their partners and their children.
| # | Organization Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | World Veterans Federation |
| 2 | Combat Stress |
| 3 | Fisher House Foundation |
| 4 | The Headstrong Project |
| 5 | VETS Canada |
| 6 | Soldiers’ Angels |
| 7 | Legacy |
| 8 | The Black Veterans Project |
| 9 | Yellow Ribbon Fund |
| 10 | Canine Companions |
| 11 | Semper Fi & America’s Fund |
| 12 | American Veterans for Equal Rights |
| 13 | Bunker Labs |
| 14 | Leave No Veteran Behind |
| 15 | Soldiers Off the Street |
#1. World Veterans Federation
The World Veterans Federation started in 1946. Today, the Federation is the world’s largest international veteran’s organization with 172+ member organizations. It promotes and defends peace, security, and the welfare of veterans and victims of war across the world. It has five regional committees and a standing committee on women. Since its establishment, it’s been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize eight times.
Because it’s an umbrella organization, it doesn’t appear there’s a way to donate directly to the World Veterans Federation, but donations can be made to nonprofit member organizations.
#2. Combat Stress
Combat Stress is a British charity supporting veterans’ mental health. Founded over 100 years ago, the charity provides specialist treatment and resources to veterans from every military branch with complex mental health issues. The charity employs clinical staff who work out of centers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Treatment is available online, through outpatient appointments, through the community and at home when necessary. The charity also has a 24/7 helpline for veterans and families and online resources on topics like PTSD, depression, alcohol dependence and more.
Combat Stress accepts one-time and monthly donations through its website.
#3. Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House Foundation is an American charity that builds houses. They’re not permanent residences, but homes where military and veteran families stay while a loved one is hospitalized. The homes are built at military and VA medical centers around the world. The houses have up to 21 suites with private bedrooms and baths, while kitchens, laundry, dining rooms and living rooms are shared. According to the website, the foundation has saved families around $610 million in lodging and transportation costs. Fisher House also has a frequent-flier program, a scholarship program and grant program for nonprofits.
Donations to Fisher House Foundation can be made on the website’s portal.
#4. The Headstrong Project
Since 2012, the US-based Headstrong Project has offered collaborative, evidence-based mental health treatment for military members, veterans and family members. According to research, clients who received at least 15-20 sessions (or completed treatment) with the Headstrong Project experienced improvements in PTSD, anxiety and depression. On average, the charity treats 1,400 clients every month in 15 states and Washington, D.C.
The Headstrong Project accepts one-time and monthly donations through its website.
#5. VETS Canada
In 2010, a veteran began a grassroots movement for other veterans experiencing homelessness or who were close to becoming homeless. The group eventually became a registered charity that relies on hundreds of volunteers across Canada. VETS (which is an abbreviation for Veterans Emergency Transition Services) still helps veterans experiencing homelessness, but it’s expanded to address the variety of challenges that veterans face. The charity also offers specialized support for LGBTQ+ veterans and a 24/7 hotline.
For more information on how to donate or get involved with VETS, visit the charity’s website.
#6. Soldiers’ Angels
Soldiers’ Angels is an American charity that offers community resources and support to service members, wounded military, veterans and their families. They have a global network of volunteers and a presence in 31 countries. Programs include food assistance, holiday support, deployment support, support for caregivers and virtual baby showers. Soldiers’ Angels also help with disaster relief. In 2023, the charity supported over 1.3 million service members, veterans and family members.
Visit the Soldiers’ Angels website to give a one-time or monthly donation.
#7. Legacy
Legacy is an Australian charity founded in 1923. It focuses on the partners and children of veterans, including those killed in action, those who died years after service and those who suffered health issues from their service. Legacy offers programs tackling financial, social and developmental challenges. Work includes financial support, benefit advocacy, mentorship programs for kids, scholarships and help with home maintenance and security.
To donate to Legacy’s mission, visit the charity’s website.
#8. The Black Veterans Project
The Black Veterans Project is a charity focused on racial inclusion and justice within the US military. Historically, Black veterans have faced significant discrimination. According to data gathered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Black veterans who ask for physical and mental benefits are more likely to be denied than their white peers. The Black Veterans Project uses research, storytelling, impact litigation and advocacy to eliminate racial inequality. The charity partners with other organizations, like the Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic, to uncover systemic racism and advocate for change.
The Black Veterans Project accepts donations online through its website.
#9. Yellow Ribbon Fund
Founded in 2005, the Yellow Ribbon Fund is a charity addressing housing, transportation, and caregiver and family support for post-9/11 service members who experienced wounding, illness and injury. It has two main programs: the Crossroads program and the Keystone program. Crossroads offers practical support (rental cars, hotel stays, etc) to military families while they receive medical treatment at Walter Reed Hospital. Keystone provides families and caregivers with recreational events, fitness activities, life skills training, education and other resources that promote wellness and social connection. Since its establishment, the Fund has worked closely with the Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland.
To donate to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, visit the charity’s website.
#10. Canine Companions
Since 1975, American charity Canine Companions has provided no-cost service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, as well as facility dogs to people working in healthcare, criminal justice and education. Follow-up services are also free. The veterans service provides trained dogs who perform physical tasks like opening doors, picking up prosthetics and alerting veterans with hearing loss. Canine Companions also has a program for veterans with PTSD.
To learn more about donation options to Canine Companions, check out the charity’s website.
#11. Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund)
Military spouses founded The Fund in 2003. The charity now has staff, community members and volunteers throughout the United States. Programs include service member and family support, a transition program, an integrative wellness program, and the LCpl Parsons Welcome Home Fund, which is tailored to those who served in the Vietnam War. Since the charity’s founding, it’s provided $327 million in assistance to over 32,000 service members, veterans and families.
Donations to Semper Fi & America’s Fund can be made through its website.
#12. American Veterans for Equal Rights
American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is a charity focused on full equality for LGBTQ+ service members. It’s the United States’ only LGBTQ+ VSO recognized by the Veterans Administration and the oldest and largest chapter-based all-volunteer organization of its kind. It played a significant role in the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Today, it continues to advocate for equal rights and equitable treatment. Other projects have recognized the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members.
AVER collects membership fees, but it also accepts donations, which can be made through the charity’s website.
#13. Bunker Labs
Bunker Labs provides American veterans and their spouses with resources to start their own businesses. Starting a business is hard for anyone, but 89% of veteran entrepreneurs don’t have access to good networks, while 62% don’t have enough money. Bunker Labs offers several programs, such as Veterans in Residence, which is for veterans who’ve already started a small business, and Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship, a virtual program for Asian American & Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic and female veteran and spouse communities.
Donations to Bunker Labs can be made through the charity’s website.
#14. Leave No Veteran Behind
Transitioning from military service can be hard. Leave No Veteran Behind is a charity that helps veterans with employment training, transitional jobs and education. Its programs include the Retroactive Scholarship, which addresses student debt accumulated before service, and community-building partnerships with other nonprofits. According to its 2024 impact report, the charity has distributed 40+ scholarships and provided 1000+ transitional jobs. 70-90 jobs are filled every day.
To donate online, visit the Leave No Veteran Behind portal.
#15. Soldiers Off the Streets
Soldiers Off the Streets is a small charity registered in England, Wales and Scotland. It also has a support group in Northern Ireland. It helps veterans experiencing homelessness with basic needs and resources. It uses welfare vehicles for its outreach. As an independent charity, Soldiers Off the Streets doesn’t apply for grants or government funding, so it depends on donations from supporters.
To donate to Soldiers Off the Streets, check out its donation page for more information.
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